Coming home: A long trip from Memphis

Sunday

Honestly, it doesn’t seem as long ago as it was on one Christmas drive home for some lonely Marines.

We were stationed at Millington, Tenn., a Naval training base in avionics, among other things, when the word came down that Christmas leave was possible for most of us.

At first, I decided to fly home — I didn’t want to waste any minutes in getting there.

But, my friend Gerry — a very enterprising young man — made a deal with someone to drive their small car from Tennessee to California.

At the last minute — in fact Gerry had driven me to the airport — I decided to accompany him by car and save the airfare.

So, the two of us — plus a Navy buddy we went to church went, piled into this tiny vehicle for the all-night journey — more than 1,500 miles — from Memphis to Northern Utah, where Jerry would drop us two off at our respective family adobes.

As I remember, Gerry did most the driving.

On through the dark we drove, rumbling through Little Rock, Ark., and on toward the west.

For all I know, we traveled across Oklahoma on the way. I just don’t remember.

All I recall are the endless white lines sparkling in the headlights and trying to grab some sleep while sitting on a bunch of luggage and bags.

It wasn’t an easy trip. Our Navy friend ended up losing his dinner or breakfast out the window.

But, we pressed on.

Finally, we arrived in the Beehive State.

We dropped Kevin off first. Gerry then drove me to my mom and sister’s apartment in Ogden.

I talked him into stopping and watching the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” before he continued on to California.

There’s something about being home for Christmas — when its possible — that just enhances the holiday.

Christmas is a time for families — or memories of family.

It’s a time to remember both the living and those who have gone on.

In both cases, the feelings of youthful faith and wonder and happiness and past companionship are revived and live again in our hearts.

I think of the slow Christmas afternoons watching my Uncle Mark —who was younger than me — opening his presents and playing with the games.

I still feel the childish excitement of not being able to sleep and anticipating what treasures waited within the pretty-colored paper and ribbon.

The greatest Christmas gift, to me, is just being close to loved ones and friends, either across the room or across the void that separates life from death. It’s nice to remember.

Blast from the past

Following is an excerpt of an E-E article from 2008.

A high-powered scramble for high series supremacy in the Merchants League resulted in three bowlers breaking the 700-pin plateau last week.

Tom Crawford powered to first place with 709, chased closely by Don Beaver (707) and David Hunt (701).

Chuck Ford carved out the high game of the week at the Red Apple Center, snapped off a 286 in the Guys & Dolls League.

Tracy Ford dominated women’s league play, accumulating a 685 series in the Wednesday Mixers League.

Her three-game set included 213-235-237.

Ford’s series feat was a personal best, according to Red Apple General Manager Dicki Ward.

Often, raw numbers don’t reveal the entire equation.

Take the case of Beaver’s performance last week in his duel against Crawford and Hunt.

“It has to be the comeback story of the season,” said Ward. “On his first night back in league since shoulder surgery, in September, he posted a 707 series.”

While regular league play continues, the bowling center also is hosting weekly high school conference competition Thursdays.

Following is last week’s league-by-league breakdown:

Guys & Dolls: JoAnn Bowman bolted to first in both high series (515) and high game (185).

Tracy Ford seized second in both series (510) and game (180) scores.

Rounding out the top three in both categories were Ida Fields with 471 and 177, respectively.

Guys & Dolls: Ken Williams warmed the lane with a 707 series and 255 game.

Chuck Ford harvested the second-best series (694), followed by Brycen Brinkman (611).

As mentioned earlier, Ford scattered the pins for the high game, followed by Williams. Brinkman rounded out the top three games with 246.

Merchants: Crawford’s 709 deserved even more kudos for its consistency. He achieved that feat without recording one of the top three games.

Hunt and Chuck Ford tied for the high game crown with 279, followed by Steve Jenkins at 278.

Sundowners

Sharon Robinson and Karri Erfurdt swapped first-place finishes.

Robinson rolled the high game (192) after being pushed hard by Erfurdt (185).

But, Erfurdt earned the high series (503), followed by Robinson (496) and Nikki Rush (438).

Wednesday Mixers -- Women

Tracy Ford’s unbeatable display highlighted league place.

Barb Bowman nicked the kegs for the second-high series (514), followed by Susan Hayden (461).

Wednesday Mixers -- Men

A deadlock for the high game honor defined the rugged play last Wednesday.

Tom Crawford And Bill Long both bruised the pins for 255 games, followed by Tom Leonard (247).

Travis Crawford outdistanced the competition for the high series title. He tallied 679, followed by Leonard (660) and Mark Francis (653).

Sunrisers

Carol Stewart finished just three pins shy of a 200 game, and also recorded the high series (522).

Marcia Jellison was runner-up in both areas, with a 476 and 179, respectively.

Judy Rees finished with the third-best series (440)

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.